CM lays base for upgradation of UKHSS

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 22, 2021

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday laid the foundation for the upgradation of the United Kharkutta Higher Secondary School in North Garo Hills District.

Established in 1953 by active members of 6 villages in the area- Kharkutta, Melopara, Tengabari, Salpara, Kholaipara and Kamagandim, the School was brought under a deficit system in 1959 and provincialized in 1981. In 2002, the School was upgraded to the higher secondary level. Currently, the school is in a dilapidated condition with inadequate infrastructure to fulfill the needs of students of the area.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma stressed that education is a priority of the Government and added, “The creation of better educational infrastructure will go a long way in giving a better atmosphere for students to avail learning facilities”.

On MDA’s commitment to realise the aspirations of the people, he said, “NPP made a commitment to the people during election and to fulfil the mandate, Government has come up with the ‘Education Policy’ within six months of taking over the regime of the Government ”.

Commending the initiative by the community, the Chief Minister said, “The School has served the community for over 68 years since its inception in 1953 which was a result of collective community leadership of 6 villages in the area. It continues to serve unbiased for students from different backgrounds with its sole purpose to educate and bring higher education closer to home. I am extremely happy to be here to announce the start of this project for such a well-deserved community”. He also urged the school authorities to ensure completion of the 4 Crore-infrastructure upgradation project by December 2022.

Speaking on taking opportunities, the Chief Minister encouraged the people of Kharkutta to take advantage of the village’s proximity with Assam by pursuing different entrepreneurial activities as a source of livelihood and assured that all support will be accorded by the Government to promote business and economic activities in the area.

The Chief Minister thanked the MLA of Kharkutta, Shri Rupert Momin who proposed and approached the Government to sanction for the new School building, which will ensure better learning infrastructure for the students of the area.

Later, Chief Minister also inaugurated the new building of the Omed Memorial Secondary School at Rajasimla.

In honour of Omed W Momin, the first Garo who converted to Christianity, the Omed Memorial Secondary School was established on 17th February, 1969 by members of the village at the heart of Rajasimla village, near the Rongdal-Rongkil stream. The School was opened in 1971, received Adhoc grant in 1974 and came under the deficit system 1983. According to School authorities, the School will be upgraded to Higher Secondary level by the next academic year.

In his speech, the Chief Minister thanked the Asian Development Bank and the Education Department for initiating the “Supporting Human Capital Development Project” in Meghalaya that has enabled the creation of infrastructure facilities to improve the quality of education in the State.

The Chief Minister expressed his confidence and commented that through a synergistic approach, the Government will be able to reverse the trend and provide better teaching and learning opportunities.

He stated, “The onus of education should be collective and the society and the government must work together to further the interest of the students and lead them to a bright future”.

Expressing his concerns over poor pass percentage, he called for cooperation from different stakeholders to partner with the Government in encouraging children to pursue their education and see it to its end. He added, “The creation of better learning infrastructure will motivate the teachers and will spark interest in the youth to complete their education”.

Speaking on the unwavering commitment of the NPP-led MDA Government, he stated, “It is the MDA Government’s unbridled ambition to revamp infrastructure and improve literacy in rural areas”.

He also expressed his satisfaction with the show of active community leadership in North Garo Hills and expressed, “It is heartening to learn about the exemplary community leadership in North Garo Hills that has resulted in the fruition of projects that will improve the lives of young people and the society at large. We can learn a thing or two from such inspiring communities”.

Recalling the work of late P. A. Sangma, he said, “ A portion of the School was constructed with funds sanctioned from the MP Scheme during my late Father, Sh. P A Sangma’s tenure, I am glad to have this opportunity to inaugurate the new school building which has the imprint of such inspiring leadership”.